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Optisonics, that was using videotape to produce commercials for department stores, corporations, and the like. It was a new idea to enhance
the advertising of one’s business; John’s work with Burger King was a great motivator and intrigued him. John aspired to be the State of

Florida connection. It would have been great for him because he could videotape the commercial, edit the video, and produce the final

commercial for advertising and marketing. He even expanded his vision to include colleges and universities to:

• Showcase their school goals, objectives, and history

• Display the school’s curriculum advantages
• Showcase the school’s athletic programs

• Showcase the school’s scholarship opportunities.

Bethune Cookman College (now University) was one of the first clients to use his video services. Mind you, all of these ideas pre-dated

videos, CDs, DVDs, and social media technology.

John worked extremely hard making contacts and driving to colleges, universities, and department stores. Much to his surprise and dismay,

he had few takers for this filming concept. He was too advanced for their minds and another door closed. Did he shut down? Absolutely
not! His creative, brilliant mind led him to write a proposal to banks for a loan to develop a film school for inner-city students. He developed

a comprehensive plan and a curriculum for teaching all the techniques necessary to become a first-class school. That idea was denied. This

passionate visionary was too advanced for the banks to comprehend such an opportunity for the young students who lived in Liberty City,
a predominately black community.

The next venture that John undertook was to sell African art, pictures, wood sculptures, and clothing. We opened a store on 54 Street
th
that was a record shop and later added a photography studio in the back of the same building. John built a second-floor loft for us to sleep

with wrought iron steps leading to the loft. He created a living room and a small kitchen. That was a unique experience!